KYIV: Ukrainian President Zelensky reported a Russian drone strike on Chernobyl near the Belarus border Thursday night.
Ukraine’s State Emergency Service confirmed radiation levels remain within safe limits.
Zelensky stated the drone carried a high-explosive warhead and hit the shelter protecting reactor 4.
The attack damaged the concrete cover over the reactor, causing a fire that was later extinguished.
Initial assessments indicate significant damage, but radiation levels are under constant monitoring.
Explosion Heard at Reactor Site
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported hearing an explosion near Chernobyl’s New Safe Confinement.
A drone struck the shelter built to protect reactor 4, causing structural damage.
Chernobyl’s reactor 4 exploded in 1986, spreading radiation across the Soviet Union and Europe.
A protective steel and concrete sarcophagus was later built around the reactor.
The IAEA continues to monitor the site for potential radiation leaks.
Mass Drone Attack on Ukraine
Ukraine’s military reported Russia launched 133 drones overnight, with 73 intercepted and 58 failing to reach targets.
These numbers align with the average frequency of Russian drone attacks.
Zelensky condemned the strikes, emphasizing Russia is not preparing for peace talks.
He accused Putin of deceiving the world while continuing aggressive military actions.
Zelensky Condemns Attack on X
Zelensky posted on X, condemning Russia for striking the shelter protecting the world from radiation.
He said Ukraine, alongside Europe and America, built the shelter to ensure global security.
Zelensky called Russia the only country attacking nuclear sites and posing a “terrorist threat” to the world.
He confirmed the shelter sustained significant damage but assured radiation levels remain stable.
He urged unified international pressure on Russia, holding it accountable for its aggression.
